John "Denny" Meagher

John, better known as Denny, was born to Mary Lorraine and John Edgar Meagher in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended St. Dominic’s Catholic school for his primary years before attending Baltimore City College. At BCC he was a standout goalkeeper for the men’s Varsity soccer team.

He served in the US Army during the Vietnam war as an MP, mainly stationed in Nha Trang. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam campaign Medal, and received the Marksman Badge with Pistol bar.

After proudly serving his country, Denny returned to Baltimore where he and his good friend Rocky Hyde opened a neighborhood sports bar, Rocky’s Tavern. The Tavern was a hot spot on Belair Rd, and Glenmore Avenue in the 1970’s. Denny later co-owned another bar called Monicker’s in Parkville. He then went on to beverage sales distribution.

After the tragedy of 9/11, Denny felt compelled to serve his country again. He decided to do so by working for the Transportation Security Administration at BWI Airport where he worked until retirement at the age of 66.

Denny met his beloved wife Jackie in Baltimore and they were married at St. Dominic’s, the same church where his parents were married. With forty years of marriage the two were blessed with 3 wonderful children, John, Christine, and Patrick.

Denny loved his family more than anything. As his children grew he became the coach of many of their sports teams. During the summer you would find the Meagher’s on the beach of Ocean City, Maryland eating thrashers fries, body surfing, and crabbing. One of his favorite hobbies was golfing, especially with friends and his kids when they grew up. You would always find him rooting for his favorite Baltimore sports teams; Colts, Ravens, and Orioles. And later in life, he greatly enjoyed the role of PopPop to his grandson Ziggy, sharing chocolate treats, watching Scooby Doo, and taking many naps together.

“Dad was so much more than an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and companion: he was our best friend, our most devoted supporter. The type of father who would never miss his kids sports practice, let alone games. A charitable man with a huge heart, a great sense of humor, and his laugh would light up the room at any party. Denny was a great storyteller and had many tales about ‘The good ole days’ at Rocky’s Tavern and Monicker’s. He will truly be missed.”

-Jackie, John, Christine, and Patrick Meagher

We invite you all to share pictures and memories. Denny always shared that he lived a full and happy life. It was his wish that we all laugh and reminisce, and smile together during this time.

A visitation for Denny will be held at Schimunek Funeral Home of Bel Air, Inc., 610 W MacPhail Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014, on Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 3pm to 6pm. A Celebration of Life will begin at 4pm to 4:30pm, with continued visitation until 6pm.

In desired, contributions in Denny's memory may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org; or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, www.t2t.org